Will a Catmint Plant Attract Cats to the Garden? :- Although I adore the colour purple and the aroma of catmint, I have noticed that my version has been attracting stray cats. What should I do in this situation? Jennifer Broadstreet Hess, who is the field editor for Birds & Blooms and lives in Marion, Kansas, inquires.
Will a Catmint Plant Attract Cats to the Garden?
According to Melinda Myers, an expert in horticulture, “a number of annual and perennial salvias have flowers that are almost identical in colour to those of catmint.” Cats do not appear to be attracted to them, despite the fact that you will not have the signature scent.
There is also the possibility of cultivating the catmint at a location that is inaccessible to the stray cats. If your home is two stories tall, you might want to think about cultivating catmint in a window box or on your balcony. If you are unable to do this, you could try using a hanging basket.
Care and Growing Tips
The heat-resistant and deer-resistant catmint is a plant that is easy to cultivate and attracts a large number of pollinators. Additionally, these flowering perennials feature foliage that is either grey or silvery-green, and their blooms are purple and last for a very long time.
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Fully exposed to sunlight, the flower spikes grow to a height of almost two feet. As a result of their sterility, many of the more recent hybrid kinds are well-behaved and do not produce offspring.
When to Divide and Transplant Catmint
“For the greatest success, dig up, divide and transplant spring flowering perennials in late summer, autumn bloomers in early spring and those that flower midseason at either of these times,” Melinda explains. “These are the times that will yield the greatest success.
When time permits, experienced gardeners discover that they are able to push the boundaries of what is possible and divide plants.
After dividing and moving plants, it is important to provide the appropriate post-transplant care. The roots should be watered properly and frequently enough to maintain a slight moisture level.
Increase the amount of time that passes between watering the newly planted plants as they grow more established. Care for them in the same manner as you did before once they have settled in. There is a possibility that cats will be drawn to the garden by catmint (Nepeta spp.).
This is because catmint contains nepetalactone, which is a chemical that many cats find irresistible. Cats may demonstrate a euphoric response when they come into contact with catmint, which may include rubbing against, rolling on, or chewing the plant.
Even though not all cats are impacted, those who are more likely to be afflicted are more likely to frequent a garden that contains catmint. For the purpose of safeguarding other plants, it is advisable to either plant catmint in a specific location or implement protective measures around more fragile plant species.
Cat mint is a hardy perennial that is attractive and gives fragrant foliage and lovely blossoms. Despite its allure for cats, catmint is also a popular choice for humans.
